Obituaries

On November 10, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family, Ruby Fern Gourley slipped her earthly bonds to go home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fern was born with a kind and gentle spirit on July 8, 1928, daughter of Arthur and Iona (Dixon) Botzer of Sligo, Pennsylvania.

Fern graduated from Sligo High School in 1946. After graduation, she attended classes at Clarion State College.

On January1, 1949, she married the love of her life, James P. Gourley. In addition to raising their five children, Fern assisted her husband with the operations of the family business, Gourley Packing Company of New Bethlehem.

Fern and Jim loved to travel. They visited many states across the United States of America and numerous countries around the world including Israel, and several European countries. Memories of past family vacations have provided countless laughs and colorful renditions at family gatherings.

As a daughter of the King, Fern was an active member of Leatherwood Church in Porter Township, where she was a former Sunday School teacher, participated in Bible studies, and women’s groups. She was also active in Gideon’s International Auxiliary and AGLOW. She also was a gifted painter and loved poetry.

Fern will be greatly missed by her five children and their spouses: Larry and Janet (Hetrick), Shirley McDonald, Robert and Sue (Faraone), Keith and Janice (Bryant), and Allen and Faith (Tanaka). Fern adored her 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and four great–great- grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Art Botzer, Jr. of Sligo, a brother-in-law, Clayton Harriger of Belsano, Pa., and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Proceeding her into spirit are her husband of 67 years, James P. Gourley who passed September 27, 2016, her parents, two sisters, Jean Harriger and Betty Jones, two grandchildren, Nathan Gourley and Heather (McDonald) Crum, brothers-in-law, Willis Jones, Jr., Jack Gourley, Myles Lees, and a sister-in-law, Carol Jean Lees.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 at Leatherwood Church, 889 Church Road, New Bethlehem. Additional viewing will be held on Thursday, November 14 from 10 am to the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am at the church. There will be a lunch for all following the funeral.

In honor of Fern’s charitable nature, the family requests that those wishing to do so may gift to Leatherwood Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Edgewood Heights and Clarion Forest VNA Hospice for their loving and gracious care of Fern.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.alcornfuneral home.com.